Messi failed to show his magic in the final of FIFA World Cup 2014, as Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the coveted trophy for the fourth time. Germany had earlier won the FIFA World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990. In 1986 final, Argentina had defeated Germany, but in 1990 final, Germany avenged the defeat with a 1-0 win over Maradona’s team.
During the closing ceremony, Shakira, Santana set the stage on fire. The final between Germany and Argentina produced tough contest. Although Argentina created more chances, they failed to penetrate into the German goalpost. At the end of regulation time, the score was 0-0. In the extra time, Mario Goetze scored the winning goal, leaving his country in wild celebration and joy.
Germany waited for this glory for 24 years. They had reached the final of 2002 World Cup, but lost to Brazil 2-0. Colombia star James Rodriguez won the Golden Boot Award for 2014, as he topped the tournament with 6 goals to his credit. Thomas Muller finished second with 5 goals. He won the silver. In 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Muller had won the Golden Boot award.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi won the ‘Golden Ball’ as the ‘Best Player’ of the 2014 World Cup. Germany’s Manuel Neuer won the ‘Golden Glove’ award as the ‘Best Goalkeeper’. France midfielder Paul Pogba was named ‘Young Player of the Tournament’, while Colombia took the Fair Play Trophy.